Matthew Jordan Smith: The Power of Personal Projects, Persistence, and Print

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Matthew Jordan Smith — celebrity photographer, author of Aretha Cool, and master storyteller — to dive into the powerful connection between personal projects, photography's future, and staying true to your vision in an AI-driven world. You will discover: How Matthew turned a promise to Aretha Franklin into a celebrated book The impact of AI on the authenticity of photography Why printed photos and physical books matter more than ever How to stay creatively inspired, even without a big city around you Advice for photographers balancing art, career, and personal fulfillment This conversation is a masterclass on passion, perseverance, and finding your voice as a creative. Drop your thoughts in the comments — and if you enjoyed it, don't forget to subscribe, like, and share with a friend! You can learn more about Matthew at thisweekinphoto.com.